心強い

こころづよい

heartening, reassuring

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective 心強い (こころづよい) describes a feeling of reassurance or emotional strength. It is often used when someone or something gives you confidence or support in a challenging situation.

Common Contexts

You’ll hear 心強い when talking about people who provide emotional support, advice, or companionship that makes you feel more confident or less worried. It can also describe situations or things that give you a sense of security.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 心強い味方 (こころづよいみかた): a reliable ally or supporter
  • 心強い存在 (こころづよいそんざい): a reassuring presence
  • 心強いアドバイス: advice that gives confidence

Register and Nuance

This word is polite and neutral, suitable for both formal and informal conversations. It expresses genuine emotional support rather than physical strength.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 心強い with 強い (strong) in a physical sense. Remember, 心強い emphasizes emotional or psychological reassurance, not physical power.

Example Sentences

あなたがそばにいてくれると、とてもこころづよいです。

It’s very reassuring to have you by my side.

せんぱいのアドバイスがこころづよくて、しけんにじしんがもてました。

The advice from my senior was reassuring, and it gave me confidence for the exam.

なかまがおおいのはこころづよいけど、じぶんのちからもしんじたい。

Having many friends is reassuring, but I also want to trust my own strength.